Penn State faces a depth issue at linebacker

March 27, 2013|By Mark Wogenrich, Of The Morning Call

STATE COLLEGE — — Mike Hull has won bench-pressing contests as Penn State's (pound-for-pound) strongest player and has proven that he can change games on special teams. Now, the linebacker who briefly stepped out of Mike Mauti's shadow last year is about to find his own niche.

"That's' how it is at Linebacker U.," Hull said Wednesday. "When it's your turn to step up, it's go time. It's your time to shine. I'm ready to fill that spot and help our defense this year."

Certainly, Hull is on the cusp of continuing Penn State's recent track of NFL linebackers that includes Dan Connor, Paul Posluszny, Sean Lee, NaVorro Bowman and (they hope) Mauti and Gerald Hodges. But what about the remaining linebackers? Aside from Hull and Glenn Carson, a two-year starter inside, the Nittany Lions are redeveloping the position.

Penn State is conducting spring drills quite thin on scholarship linebackers, a position that has been fertile over the last decade. Carson, Hull and redshirt freshman Nyeem Wartman compose the probable starting lineup, but the questions begin after that.

Redshirt junior Ben Kline, the only other returning linebacker who made a tackle last year, is sitting out this spring following shoulder surgery. That leaves the second team to redshirt freshman Gary Wooten and a host of "run-ons," as head coach Bill O'Brien calls them. And that will affect how the linebackers practice this spring.

"There's certainly not a lot of depth there, so it's going to be imperative for myself to monitor that and make sure that we are not giving those guys too many reps," O'Brien said.

Hull spent last season as the No. 4 linebacker, playing primarily in third-down passing situations. He excelled at it. Hull made four sacks, most of anyone not on the defensive line, broke up nine passes and recovered a team-high two fumbles. On special teams, he blocked a punt against Ohio State.

Hull weighs 226 yet benches more than 400 pounds, one reason O'Brien has called him a "rock-solid football dude." Following Mauti's injury late last year, Hull responded by making 16 tackles in the last two games.

"Mike made some huge plays at crucial times for us last year," Carson said. "He's a guy who loves to compete, has a great work ethic and I expect a lot from him."

Carson is the position's anchor, a third-year starter who played alongside Mauti and Hodges last year. He's the team's top returning tackler (85) who made all the defensive calls last season. Carson has been called among the team's most underrated players, primarily because of his fellow linebackers last year.

Like Hull, Carson said he expects more of himself this season. He also set a high bar for redshirt freshman Nyeem Wartman, who likely will start at the other outside linebacker spot.

Wartman made a quick impression last year, blocking a second-quarter punt in the opener against Ohio. But he sustained a knee injury the following week that ended his season. O'Brien remains high on the linebacker, and Carson said Wartman has played confidently so far this spring.

"I'm really looking forward to watching Hull, Carson and Wartman play together, because those are three guys that didn't really play together that much last year," O'Brien said. "… Glenn Carson and Mike Hull have really worked hard. They are leaders on this football team. They are tough guys, good players, and then Nyeem [has] worked very hard this offseason. We are looking forward to seeing what he can do."

Beyond that, however, Penn State is thin on scholarship linebackers. O'Brien said he expects Kline to contribute next fall, even though he's out this spring. Wooten "really wants to get better," Carson said, impressed with the young player's motivation.

But this will be a position where young players will contribute. The incoming class includes two linebackers, Zayd Issah and Brandon Bell, who could face an accelerated learning curve this August. In addition, Carson said the team's "run-ons" have an opportunity.

"We're looking for a Josh Hull right now," Carson said of the former walk-on linebacker now playing with the St. Louis Rams. "Guys who really buy into the system and want to get better, that's how a Josh Hull is made."

NOTES: Tyler Ferguson, the California junior-college transfer, was the first-team quarterback in drills Penn State conducted during the portion of Wednesday's practice that was open to the media. Sophomore Steven Bench is getting first-team snaps as well. … Garry Gilliam, who shifted from tight end to offensive tackle during the offseason, is out with a minor calf injury. … Zach Zwinak, who rushed for 1,000 yards last season, was the No. 1 running back, followed by redshirt freshman Akeel Lynch.